News

The Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) has been a resource for the Canadian turfgrass industry for more than three decades. Founded in 1987, the GTI began as a partnership among the University of Guelph, the Ontario government and the turfgrass industry. Today the institute operates as a centre of research, education and service.

The institute previously occupied land that was slated for community development. In summer 2021, the GTI officially moved to its new location at 364 College Ave E. 

The OAC Class of 1951 celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021. OAC ’51s have always had a close bond and reputation that other classes have aspired for. To honour this impressive milestone, we spoke with OAC alumnus Dr. Clay Switzer, to learn more about his student experience from 1947 to 1951. Clay is a well-known alumnus and former OAC dean and faculty member. 

Featuring Dr. Vivian Adams, PhD in Food Science 2015

Creating the next big food product requires attention to detail, the ability to think outside the box and an inquisitive mind.

Who is going to like this product? What is involved in the process? Why does it work like that? How can it be better?

These are just a few of the questions Vivian Adams must ask herself every day in solving challenging and unique problems in the food sector. 

Featuring Bruce Martin, MLA 2009, and Tatiana Zakharova, MLA 2019

There’s a playground renaissance in North America, says Tatiana Zakharova, a playground designer with Earthscape Play, which creates, designs and builds brilliant, fun and award-winning playgrounds around the world. 

“It’s thrilling to be part of a Canadian company that pioneered design and creation of unique wood playgrounds – growing exponentially outward from local Ontario work to worldwide projects,” says Tatiana. 

Jennifer Mitchell (associate diploma in agriculture, 1999) is a passionate advocate of agriculture. She is a project manager with Koeslag Consulting Inc. and a board member of Farm and Food Care Ontario (FFCO). We talked with Jennifer to learn more about her roles and the importance of agricultural outreach.

Dr. Hanh Pham (PhD in environmental sciences, 2012) improved his scientific research skills and practical experience with honeybees, while studying at the University of Guelph. He returned home to Vietnam, where he works as the director of the Bee Research Center. We recently chatted with Hanh to learn more about his work with honeybees.

A long-time food scientist at the University of Guelph whose discoveries in everything from trans fats to chocolate have helped improve human health and agri-food sustainability has been awarded one of Canada’s highest honours.

Dr. Alejandro Marangoni was named Dec. 29 as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Marangoni was among 135 Canadians, including U of G professor emeritus Dr. Barry Smit, named in 2021 to the Order of Canada.

Fourth-year animal science student Sarah Kay had her eyes set on the University of Guelph since high school. Sarah is passionate about working with animals and is involved with various activities across campus. After graduation Sarah plans to pursue graduate studies or work in animal behaviour and welfare.

Apple growers can stem costly post-harvest spoilage losses by up to 20 per cent by applying a natural compound in orchards, according to a new University of Guelph study.

The study found that applying hexanal to apples pre-harvest helps curb losses from a condition called “bitter pit,” impairing fruit appearance and flavour, especially in the Honeycrisp cultivar that normally fetches a premium in the grocery produce section, said Dr. Jay Subramanian, a professor in the Ontario Agricultural College.

To celebrate the December break, we've compiled a list of activities to try this winter, recommended by OAC community members. Thank you to everyone who provided suggestions!